All the Arts, All the Time

The financial woes that have plagued the long-planned Broadway musical "Spider-man" have now spread to the casting couch.

Actress Evan Rachel Wood, previously announced to play Mary Jane Watson, the superhero's love interest, has dropped out of the mega-budgeted stage production.

The news was reported Tuesday afternoon by Variety. Producers of the musical issued a statement saying Wood's departure was because of a "scheduling conflict" and that casting is "underway to find a new Mary Jane to join the rest of the cast in the production," according to the trade publication.

"Spider-man, Turn Off the Dark," which features music by Bono and the Edge, was originally set to open on Broadway at the Hilton Theatre this spring in time for Tony Award consideration. However, the opening day has been pushed to an undetermined date in 2010.

In November, producers announced that rock impresario Michael Cohl had joined the show as lead producer. They also said that indie-rock musician Reeve Carney would play Spider-man, joining Alan Cumming, who was set to play the Green Goblin.

In the past, work on the show had been halted as producers scrambled to raise funds. The Times reported in November that the production's budget is said to be around $52 million, making it possibly the most expensive Broadway show in history.

With the exit of Wood, we want to know who you think should play the role of Spidey's main cling.